27 Memorial Day Cookout Recipe Ideas

Blueberry Lemon Whipped Brie Dip

This light and flavorful whipped brie dip is the perfect creamy transition from spring to summer. Made with blueberry preserves and fresh lemon, there’s so much flavor packed into such a simple appetizer. We love to serve it with pita chips or crostini and it’s easy to scale for serving a large crowd.

BBQ Pulled Pork Dip

Memorial day is the start to cookouts and BBQ. We’re planning on starting off the season strong with our BBQ pulled pork dip that’s based on our creamy buffalo chicken dip. It’s saucy, cozy, and all around delicious. Pair it with Fritos for a classic flavor or make it into mini sliders with some Hawaiian rolls.

Tomato Bruschetta Crostini

When it comes to Memorial Day cookout appetizers, it doesn’t get much easier than this! Toss together a fresh tomato bruschetta in just a few minutes, toast up some crostini in the oven, and serve with spreadable garlic and herb cheese for a simple yet flavorful appetizer everyone will love.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

You can never go wrong with buffalo chicken dip. This dip is a staple at our family parties – and soon it will be at yours, too! It’s thick and creamy and just the right amount of spicy. Plus, you can easily make a double batch for a crowd, or make it in a crockpot to keep it warm throughout the whole party.

Cottage Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip

Make ahead dips are where it’s at for hosting a party! Whip up this creamy spinach and artichoke dip in the food processor early in the day, then serve it cold when guests arrive. It’s light, fresh, and healthy, and tastes delicious with crackers or chips for dipping.

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip

This is another cold dip that we love making ahead of time for no-stress hosting or an easy potluck addition. It pairs perfectly with kettle chips for a creamy crunchy combo that’s perfect all summer long. Because the dip ends up a little green thanks to the jalapenos, we always like to joke that it’s a great way to eat more greens!

Baked Bruschetta Dip

We’ve taken some of our favorite cookout flavors and turned them into a creamy, comforting dip that’s perfect for sharing (or not). We like to serve it with an assortment of crackers, fresh bread, and crostini. Just be warned you may want to make a double batch so everyone gets some!

Rosemary Vodka Lemonade

This might be one of our favorite summertime drinks – a refreshing spiked “lemonade” made with limoncello, vodka, and rosemary simple syrup. It’s bright, herbal, and super sippable. Pro tip: swap the vodka out for gin if you want an even more herbaceous flavor profile!

Caipirinha With Rum

Break out your muddler and impress your friends with your bartending skills this Memorial Day! All you need to make this refreshing Brazilian cocktail is rum, sugar, and a bunch of limes. Simple to make and even easier to drink on a hot summer day.

Mango Mai Tai

Go all out and batch prep some mai tais for your cookout crew! This mango flavored version of the classic cocktail is perfect for washing down a burger and fries. Just be careful not to drink too many of these – they’re seriously addicting. And they’re even better if you’re lucky enough to be opening your pool this weekend!

Limoncello Spritz

Summertime means it’s officially spritz season! Set up a DIY limoncello spritz bar for your guests with limoncello, prosecco, and club soda. You can even add on some fun options like Aperol for a more classic spritz as well. No matter what you choose, your guests will be happy to sip on their light, refreshing cocktails while enjoying the beautiful day.

Spicy Mezcal Margarita

Looking for something a little spicier to sip on? Liven up the party with this spicy margarita that swaps tequila for mezcal – it’ll bring the heat to your cookout in a whole new way. Batch prep the margs and rim the glasses ahead of time, then set everything out for a pour-your-own margarita bar!

Gin Basil Mojito

Do you live somewhere like we do where Memorial day is still very much spring weather? If so, this cocktail is for you. It’s the perfect herbal blend for an easy sipping, bubbly drink to enjoy at a more “garden party” style Memorial day gathering instead of a “kick off the summer” party.

Garlic Aioli Burger

Dress up a classic cheeseburger with bacon, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli for an ultra savory burger everyone will love! You can make the bacon and onions ahead of time, then serve them on a platter for guests to build their own burgers while you watch over the grill.

Pulled Pork Burger

If Memorial Day weekend also means it’s time to break out your smoker, combine the best of both worlds – smoking and grilling – into this decadent barbecue burger. It’s a 50/50 pork and beef patty topped with bacon, pulled pork, and BBQ sauce… sorry, our mouths just started watering. (Even if you don’t have a smoker, you can make pulled pork in a slow cooker and still serve this burger at your cookout!)

Blueberry Lemon Goat Cheese Burger

Hosting a more dinner party style cookout? Surprise your friends with a gourmet-like combo of goat cheese, blueberry preserves, lemon zest, and arugula on those burgers! Served on a brioche bun for an extra touch of decadence, this burger is what sweet and savory dreams are made of.

Bruschetta Burger

Remember that tomato bruschetta appetizer from earlier on this list? Well, we’re here to let you know that you can also turn it into a burger.. Make some bruschetta, grab that garlic and herb cheese, and throw it all on a hamburger patty for easy flavor and summery vibes!

Pub Stuffed Cheese Burger

We’re getting a little crazy and putting our cheese in our burgers for this one. These cheese stuffed burger patties are a super fun way to surprise your guests. Add in some bacon bites, caramelized onions, or and of your other favorite burger toppings for a meal no one is soon to forget.

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

Take a classic bacon cheeseburger and make it mini for a fun, bite-sized cookout appetizer or lunch! These sliders are sweet, savory, and tangy – everything you want in a backyard party. Grab your favorite beer and one of these sliders to ring in the unofficial start to summer!

Vegetarian Black Bean Southwest Sliders

Planning a vegetarian menu or looking for lighter fare? Try these easy black bean southwest sliders instead of burgers this Memorial Day. Slathered with our flavorful chili lime dressing and served on Hawaiian rolls, these mini sandwiches pack such a treat you won’t even miss the meat!

Crockpot Mexican Street Corn Dip

Instead of grilled corn, make this Mexican street corn dip for your backyard barbecue! Just dump the ingredients in a slow cooker a few hours before party time and you’ll have an instant crowd favorite. And be sure to save this recipe for when the football season comes around and you’re looking for the best game day appetizers around!

Mango Pico De Gallo

Serve this fresh take on pico de gallo with tortilla chips for your Memorial Day cookout. It goes great with burgers, wings, and summery tacos! 

Tzatziki With Dill

Instead of serving crudités with ranch dressing, mix up a bowl of creamy tzatziki for a light and healthy dip. Made with lots of cucumber, it’s super refreshing and summery!

Black Bean Corn Salsa

Skip the jarred salsa and prep this ridiculously easy bean and corn salsa ahead of time for your Memorial Day cookout! All you need is black beans, corn, lime juice, and salt. Serve it cold with tortilla chips (and maybe a margarita) and introduce your friends to the best chips and salsa pairing yet.

Garlic Parmesan Eggplant Fries

These easy oven baked eggplant fries are the perfect, healthier addition to a Memorial day cookout to go with whatever’s on the grill. And we think they pair wonderfully with a side of homemade garlic aioli!

If you have any questions regarding the information presented in this post, please refer to our Nutrition Disclaimer here.